Analogy

A type of logical reasoning that explains the agreement of the relationship between the respective parts and interactions of two similar systems

Authority

A person or source of information that is trusted based on knowledge, expertise, or position

Cause-and-effect

A type of logical reasoning that evaluates a relationship in which one event is responsible for another event

Chain of reasoning

A statement of general principles, assumptions, values, and beliefs that explain how the evidence is used to support the claim (aka warrant)

Claim

A statement about the natural world based on scientific observation intended to persuade another person

Correlation

The type of logical reasoning that evaluates the relationship between two variables in which the change is similar, but might not prove cause-and-effect

Counterargument

An alternative argument for the claim based on fact, data, theory, opinion, or other forms of reasoning

Data

Measurable observations of an object or event that are quantifiable or qualitative

Evidence

Information that is evaluated and presented to support or refute a claim

Fact

An observation of an object or event that has been repeatedly confirmed that scientists agree upon

Generalization

A type of logical reasoning that if something is true for a well-chosen sample, it is likely to hold for a similar larger group or population

Logic

A type of reasoning using rules or principles

Methodology

The scientific methods used to obtain trusted scientific evidence (e.g., good experimental design, good technique of data collection and analysis)

New Question

A statement suggesting other questions that should be investigated related to the claim

Objectivity

The extent to which a personal opinion or conflict of interest does not influence the collection, analysis, interpretation of the evidence. No apparent bias

Opinion

A personal belief, point of view, or perspective that might be based on evidence or on values or both

Qualifier

A word used to modify or narrow the focus of the claim. They clarify claims and make them more accurate

Reasoning

The process of using logical thinking to evaluate and explain how the evidence and methodology supports or refutes the claim

Rebuttal

A statement of an opposing viewpoint that a claim is wrong, invalid, or unacceptable with an explanation using evidence and reasoning

Reliability

The extent to which evidence is consistent (example: getting the same results each time you repeat the measurement)

Theory

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world based upon a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment

Validity

The extent to which evidence addresses the claim